Green Raw Material Sourcing to Green Supply Chain Management : “A Sustainable Approach in The Textile and Apparel Business Sector”
Hossain, Md Istiaq (2025)
2025
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121637095
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121637095
Tiivistelmä
The textile and apparel industry is among the largest industries in the world, which is fast embracing sustainability with every passing day because of the demands of international buyers, concern about the environment, and development of transparent supply chains. Therefore, this thesis, titled "Green Raw Material Sourcing to Green Supply Chain Management: A Sustainable Approach in the Textile and Apparel Business Sector," attempts to analyze how Bangladeshi manufacturers are implementing the adoption of sustainable raw material sourcing practices and how such practices support the development of a green supply chain.
This qualitative approach based on twelve semi-structured interviews was conducted with merchandisers, managers, sourcing specialists, and process engineers of leading Bangladeshi textile and apparel firms. Their perceptions give a realist view of the existing practices, issues, and strategic priorities in terms of sustainability.
Results indicate that the majority of the companies are moving towards the application of varied sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, yarns certified by OEKO-TEX/GOTS, and low-impact dyes. Some of the biggest challenges they are currently facing include high costs of materials, unavailability of local suppliers with certification, availability and variability of supply, and a high level of pressure from global buyers. Despite these barriers, companies reported major benefits: increased buyer trust, enhanced brand image, competitiveness, and access to premium markets. Experts further suggest building certified local supplier networks, strengthening cooperation between buyers and suppliers, increasing government support, better training on sustainability issues, and investing in recycling and innovation.
The study concludes that sustainable raw material sourcing is becoming a strategic need for the textile industry in Bangladesh. By integrating green sourcing practices, not only does environmental impact decrease, but long-term business resilience is also ensured, thereby facilitating global market advantage.
This qualitative approach based on twelve semi-structured interviews was conducted with merchandisers, managers, sourcing specialists, and process engineers of leading Bangladeshi textile and apparel firms. Their perceptions give a realist view of the existing practices, issues, and strategic priorities in terms of sustainability.
Results indicate that the majority of the companies are moving towards the application of varied sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, yarns certified by OEKO-TEX/GOTS, and low-impact dyes. Some of the biggest challenges they are currently facing include high costs of materials, unavailability of local suppliers with certification, availability and variability of supply, and a high level of pressure from global buyers. Despite these barriers, companies reported major benefits: increased buyer trust, enhanced brand image, competitiveness, and access to premium markets. Experts further suggest building certified local supplier networks, strengthening cooperation between buyers and suppliers, increasing government support, better training on sustainability issues, and investing in recycling and innovation.
The study concludes that sustainable raw material sourcing is becoming a strategic need for the textile industry in Bangladesh. By integrating green sourcing practices, not only does environmental impact decrease, but long-term business resilience is also ensured, thereby facilitating global market advantage.